Maayan Ziv grew up in Kibbutz El-Rom in the Golan Heights, where his parents, a chemistry teacher and a former math teacher, nurtured his curiosity and analytical thinking. Inspired by his military service as a geographical intelligence officer, he pursued a dual BSc in Geology and Computer Science at Ben-Gurion University, graduating first in his Geology class and conducting research on earthquake simulations under Dr. Yuval Tal.

He continued to the Weizmann Institute of Science for his MSc under Prof. Yohai Kaspi, where he participated in NASA’s Juno Science Team meetings. His research introduced the first deep-learning approach to constrain Jupiter’s interior models based on spacecraft gravity measurements.

As a PhD student, Maayan is expanding his work to study the interiors of all four giant planets, combining machine learning with advanced physical modeling techniques. His broader goal is to develop computational tools for planetary exploration, contribute to future international space missions, and further our understanding of how planets form and evolve.

Outside of research, Maayan is passionate about education and outreach, tutoring high school students in physics, geology, and astronomy through the Davidson Institute. He is also a devoted supporter of Hapoel Haifa Football Club, and currently lives in Rehovot with his wife, Nitsan.